Albion under-23 defender Leo Ostigard is heading to Germany on loan.

The 19-year-old Norwegian, who impressed in this summer’s Under-20s World Cup, will spend the season with Bundesliga 2 club FC St. Pauli.

Ostigard, who previously played for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Molde, spoke recently about his ambition to prove himself on loan.

He played and impressed in a recently friendly for St Pauli against lower division SC Weiche Flensburg 08.

Albion under-23 coach Simon Rusk said: “This is an excellent loan move for Leo and one which comes at the right time for him. I’m sure he’ll learn valuable lessons from a tough season in the Bundesliga 2.

"Leo works extremely hard on the training pitch and his commitment to improve is clear to see, which is always great to see from a player of his age.

"We will closely monitor his progress in Germany, and we are looking forward to seeing how he progresses as he takes on an exciting new challenge."

St Pauli head coach Jos Luhukay was impressed by Ostigard in the win over Flensburg.

The former Sheffield Wednesday boss said: “He made a very grown-up impression."